Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Despite not currently being in a drought period, Iraq faces significant water scarcity challenges, requiring 90 billion cubic meters of water annually to meet its needs. Amid rising climate change risks, predicting future water availability has become increasingly difficult, exacerbating vulnerabilities, particularly for women, panelists discussed on the second day of the Erbil Forum 2025.

The three-day event, organized by the Rudaw Research Center, brought together experts to address critical issues, including climate change and its impact on human rights violations in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Iraq’s Water Crisis: A Step Away from Drought

While Iraq is not officially in a drought, central and southern regions are suffering from severe water shortages. The Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture reported in late January that rainfall in January 2025 was significantly lower compared to the same period last year.

Torhan al-Mufti, an advisor to the Iraqi prime minister on water, explained, “We are not in a drought period yet, but we are in a poor period, just one step away from drought. If we have a good season, Iraq will need 90 billion cubic meters of water annually. In a poor season or drought, that need drops to 50 billion cubic meters due to reduced availability.”

Al-Mufti noted that while this year has seen adequate rainfall, the past four years were marked by scarce precipitation, pushing the country closer to drought conditions.

Climate Change and Unpredictable Water Availability

Zaki Shubber, a lawyer and international expert in freshwater law and conflict resolution, emphasized the growing unpredictability of water availability due to climate change. “Erratic precipitation patterns mean rainfall comes at different times, in different quantities, and in different places, making it nearly impossible to model and forecast water availability,” she said.

Shubber highlighted the critical role of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in supplying Iraq’s water resources, warning of their decline due to ongoing climate challenges. She stressed that climate change is a global issue affecting everyone, but action remains insufficient.

“Everyone talks about the importance of water, but taking action is more complicated. We need to invest in projects and measures to address water scarcity and other related issues. It’s not just about supply; we must also address demand and move beyond words to concrete actions and financing,” Shubber added.

Women Disproportionately Affected by Climate Crises

Sheri Kraham Talabani, President and Co-Founder of the SEED Foundation, highlighted the disproportionate impact of environmental crises on women and girls. “Women and girls are fourteen times more likely to be harmed during environmental disasters. At least 60% of deaths in climate-related extreme events are women,” she said.

Talabani explained that economic challenges arising from environmental crises often force families to adopt harmful coping mechanisms, such as early marriage and restricted access to education and healthcare for women and girls. In countries like Iraq, where women have limited access to resources, information, and support, these challenges are even more pronounced.

Call for Action

Panelists at the Erbil Forum 2025 called for urgent action to address Iraq’s water crisis and the broader impacts of climate change. They emphasized the need for increased investment in water management projects, better forecasting tools, and targeted support for vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls.

As Iraq navigates the complex interplay of climate change, water scarcity, and human rights, the forum underscored the importance of moving beyond discussions to implement tangible solutions that safeguard the country’s future.